2007-2008
Finish: 32-50

What went well
If the basic goal of the Toronto Raptors was finish the season with a better, more talented team than at the season’s start, these guys get a gold star. This team is the new Cleveland: a group of young guys just waiting to bust out. Though the team does not have any bona fide superstars yet, its starting five has the potential to turn into an All-Star squad of its own right. Sure, making smart moves is one way to pad out a roster, but missing the playoffs and scoring high draft picks is the Toronto way. In fact, the team hasn’t made the playoffs since 2003. You do the math.

Knowing full well that Toronto has been equated with a postseason boneyard here in the NLL, five Raptors hit the road before the 2007-08 season began. Brandon Bass, Eddie Jones, Scot Pollard, David West and Jerry Stackhouse said, “Thanks, but no thanks,” when the chance to re-up came along. GM Juvenile404 said expected to lose some players, but was furious when West took a hike. It didn’t take much to woo him back when West realized Toronto was about the only team out there that could pay him.

So, out with the old, in with the new. Along with West, Adonal Foyle, Jarvis Hayes, Paul Davis and Juwan Howard came aboard. All were severely overpaid, but money was the only way the Raps could lure any free agents to town. The GM just didn’t have enough clout and the team just was not good enough. The team also brought in Antoine Wright and ditched big man Mark Blount in favor of Randolph Morris, waiving him shortly thereafter for salary reasons. With one final trade that brought in DJ Mbenga, the new look Raptors were set to go, with rookie phenom Kevin Durant ready to make some noise.

But the moves didn’t stop there. The team inked Brad Miller a week later. Three weeks later, they sent him off to Utah in a three team trade that netted them Brendan Haywood and Damon Stoudemire. The trade wheels have been greased, folks! Next, Maurice Evans got sent to the Nets for Chuck Hayes. Then it was West’s turn, banished to Seattle for Udonis Haslem and Austin Croshere. Finally, at the trade deadline, in a swap of draft picks, the Raptors scored big man Andrew Bynum. With a starting five of Bynum, Haslem, Durant, Brandon Roy and Raymond Felton, this little team that could was ready to strike.

What went bad
Let’s face it, in the NLL GMs seem to think potential can make up for the real deal. Experience always pays. Why do you think Paul Pierce, Ben Wallace and Zach Randolph took home the glory. There is no disguising that the Raptors are nothing but a bunch of upstart tyros with a bunch full of nobodies. Players were shuffled around so much this season, the team could not gel. The front office seemed more interested in re-arranging than educated. These young dudes needed guidance and got little. Once again, a season of the Raptors has been tossed into the dustbin of history.

The Stars

Brandon Roy, G -
Roy followed his Rookie of the Year award with another sterling performance last season. Though he posted similar numbers, those are stats that most NBA ballers would be proud to have. The bad news is Roy underwent surgery this summer, but the Raptors don't seem to be too worried about the injury. An MRI revealed a tear in the meniscus of his left knee. He isn't expected to miss any games, but it's possible he'll be a little out of shape to start season. The Raptors expect more big things from Roy and he could be a superstar in the making.